This unit is focused on the definition of “philanthropy” and the development of a working understanding of its meaning.  It also gives the students an opportunity to “be” philanthropists in their own classroom.  The unit is organized around the idea that every person is not only an individual, but also a member of many types of “communities.” Students will discuss and analyze the concept of groups of people as different types of communities in which all have rights and responsibilities.

The learner will:

• define philanthropy as giving or sharing time, talent, or treasure for the common good.
  
• identify acts of philanthropy.
  
• recognize the value of community capital in his/her classroom and community.
  
• design a poster illustrating the definition of philanthropy.
  
• identify common and personal areas in the classroom.
  
• define the word “permission.”
  
• describe acts of philanthropy that can be done in the classroom without the teacher’s specific permission.
  
• identify and define the concept of “community.”
  
• evaluate and explain why their classroom, school, or neighborhood is a community.
  
• cite examples of other types of communities.
  
• use philanthropy vocabulary in describing community characteristics.

An optional homework assignment is included in Lesson Three.